A senior moment awaits Carson Palmer in LA

Dec 24, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) walks off the field after a game against the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Cardinals won 34-31.(Photo: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)

“(I) never thought it would have happened, way back when,” Palmer said. “It was senior night and you think you’re never going to get this opportunity. You hear chatter of a team moving to LA but you.......just don't think you’ll have the opportunity to run out of that tunnel one more time.”

Two weeks after that game, Palmer was awarded the Heisman Trophy and later was drafted No. 1 overall by the Bengals. The Cardinals are Palmer’s third team in a 14-year career that’s expected to extend another year or two.

Palmer is under contract through 2018, and each year’s salary and roster bonus becomes guaranteed if he’s on the roster five days after the Super Bowl. Palmer wants to return for 2017, at least, and the Cardinals want him back.

Palmer’s statistics have plunged from a year ago when he threw 35 touchdown passes and had 11 throws intercepted. It’s easy to point to that as the reason the Cardinals (6-8-1) will finish with a losing record for the first time since trading for Palmer in 2013.

It would also be wrong, coach Bruce Arians said. His quarterback’s statistics are worse (23 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) because so many people surrounding him have either been injured or played poorly.

Over the past month or so, the Cardinals offense has started to play better. In the past four games, Palmer has thrown for eight touchdowns and had only two throws intercepted.

In the past four games, the Cardinals have had four pass plays gain at least 30 yards. They had only six of those in the first 11 games.

“He knows how to give a guy confidence and pick him up and not let him worry about failure,” Arians said. “That’s what leaders do.”

Two weeks ago, Palmer smiled when reporters asked him about playing behind a makeshift offensive line beset by injuries.

“I’m not dreading it as much as it sounds like you guys are dreading it,” he said.

Palmer went out of his way to talk to the new starters, just as he has with kicker Chandler Catanzaro when he has struggled.

“They know he has confidence in them,” Arians said. “That’s what you want, your quarterback to be a leader, but he’s also a father figure to those guys. He’s too old to be a big brother. I’m a cool uncle but he’s a father figure.”

This season has tested Palmer’s counseling ability and leadership skills, although he doesn’t see it that way.

“The more years you have and the more experience you have, the more that’s expected in that department,” he said. “I don’t feel like it’s weighed heavy on me or been a burden. It’s just part of your role.

“Once you get to 10 years in the NFL, you’ve seen a lot. You’ve been through a lot of situations, and you have the right to say certain things. That’s kind of where I’ve felt most of the year.”

The decline in Palmer’s statistics has led to increased criticism of him, something with which Arians takes issue. Not only have there been injuries on the offensive line, but two of the teams’ top three receivers entering the season, John Brown and Michael Floyd, had disappointing seasons.

Palmer was to blame for some of the early problems, too, because he underthrew deep passes that he connected on a year ago.

Coaches forced Palmer to start sitting out of Wednesday practices and part of those on Thursday.

That high-mileage maintenance program has paid dividends in the past month, because Palmer’s arm has looked as strong as it was a year ago.

“I know it saved him coming down the stretch,” Arians said. “He took a day off a week in training camp, so it’s nothing really new. Talking him into it was the biggest thing.”

When Palmer joined the Cardinals in 2013, Arians likened himself and Palmer to cowboys headed to their last rodeo. That rodeo isn’t likely to end Sunday at the Coliseum for either one, but Palmer isn’t looking beyond Sunday’s game.

“It’s just one week at a time,” he said. “As exciting as that win was, coming back from Seattle you start watching LA. The turnaround is so quick that you don’t have time think about what’s next. The only thing you can think about or focus on is the next opponent.”

Cardinals fans show their displeasure with a roughing the passer call in favor of the Saints during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 18, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan reacts to a roughing the passer call in favor of the Saints during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 18, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans cheer for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after he moved to #3 on the reception list during their game against the Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans Kenny Salinas (L) and Casey Lusk pose for a photo before the start of an NFL game between the Cardinals and Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Ralph Freso/Getty Images

Cardinals fan Julius Shore grills sausages before the start of an NFL game between the Cardinals and Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Ralph Freso/Getty Images

Mike and Carole Caraway (not pictured) place a bouquet of flowers on the Pat Tillman statue outside the University of Phoenix Stadium prior to the Arizona Cardinals NFL game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Mike and Carole Caraway pose for a photo after they placed a bouquet of flowers on the Pat Tillman statue outside the University of Phoenix Stadium prior to the Arizona Cardinals NFL game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans watch from the stands prior to the NFL game between the against the Seahawks and Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Kacie Holgate and Armando Grijalva from Peoria set up their tailgate before the Cardinals play against the Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium fore Monday Night Football in Glendale, Ariz. October 17, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Former Arizona Cardinals' Roy Green name is revealed during his ring of honor induction at half time of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Glendale. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Jeremy Scott carries some beer with Jordan Dunny as they try to get out of the rain before the Cardinals game outside University of Phoenix Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Arizona Cardinals fans cheer during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Norm Hall/Getty Images

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; An Arizona Cardinals fan roots for his team during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; An Arizona Cardinals fan roots for his team during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Grant Hunter, Keven Hughes, John McKenzie and Rick Blanchette tailgate on the Great Lawn prior to the Arizona Cardinals game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Glendale Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Jennifer and Ryan Slackplay pong as they tailgate with friends on the Great Lawn prior to the Arizona Cardinals game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Football fans play Flip Cup as they tailgate on the Great Lawn prior to the Arizona Cardinals game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

An Arizona Cardinals fan sheds tears during the National Anthem on the 15th anniversary of 9/11 before the Cardinals game against the New England Patriots on Sep. 11, 2016 in Glendale. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan looks on during the National Anthem during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots in Glendale, Az., on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Albert Lebario from Peoria grills Hatch chiles while tailgating before the Arizona Cardinals host the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2016. Michael Chow, Michael Chow/azcentral.com

Former Cadinals WR Roy Green and current RB David Johnson speaks to the crowd at the Kick Off Party with the Arizona Cardinals Players at Cowboys Saloon in Peoria on September 6, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Jace Chavez (left) and Ashton Maze, both 8 from Peoria, show their support at the Kick Off Party with the Arizona Cardinals Players at Cowboys Saloon in Peoria on September 6, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fans Russell Gray, 14, with his Uncle, Tim Lantis, and brother Aaron Gray, 12, cheer before a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on September 1, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Janice Cromer and Denver Broncos fan Brett Burdette of Mesa, wait for the game to start between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Thursday, September 1, 2016. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan and a Raider fan react to a Raiders' interception called back for pass interference during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan and a Raider fan react to a Raiders' interception called back for pass interference during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals fan Anthony Castro (left) of Sierra Vista cheers before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans, Leland Burnett (right) of Phoenix, cheers as the Cardinals offensive players are called out on the field just before the start of the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans, (from left) Fernando Mendoza of Lake Havasu City, his son, Fernando Mendoza Jr., 8, his brother/ uncle, Alonso Mendoza Jr., of Phoenix and their father/ grandfather, Alonso Mendoza of Lake Havasu City, cheer as Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and other offensive players are called out on the field just before the start of the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans, Leland Burnett of Phoenix, holds up his hat as the Cardinals offensive players are called out on the field just before the start of the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans wait for the doors to be opened to the University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans wait for the doors to be opened to the University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans wait for the doors to be opened to the University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans walk through the doors of University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Oakland Raider fans Anthony Anderson, of Phoenix, left, and Sean Roberts, of Glendale, set up their tailgating tent before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fans Bo Mitchell, of Phoenix, left, and Adam Castellano, of Litchfield Park, set up their tailgating tent before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Jon Mitchell, of Goodyear, sports his cardinal red sunglasses, while tailgating before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Shelby Pacheco, of Casa Grande, throws the ball while tailgating before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Shelby Pacheco, of Casa Grande, throws the ball while tailgating before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Cardinals offensive lineman Jared Veldheer takes a selfie with fans following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Will Jenkins, 10, (left) and Carson Kolb, 10, both of Phoenix, watch a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Mason Smith, 4, (left) of Tolleson, and his father, Marty Smith, watch a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Narva Tigue of El Mirage, his wife, Anna Tigue and their children Narva Tigue II (left) and Marquez Tigue, who sticks his hand over his parents' head, take a family selfie during a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Jonathan Gutierrez, 15, (center) of Phoenix and his mother Sonia Murillo (right) walk towards University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Steve Plapp of Phoenix sports a "Straight Outta Birdgang" T-shirt during a Cardinals' training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals President Michael Bidwill signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals running back David Johnson takes a selfie with fans following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald signs the jersey of Christian Delgado, 12, of Peoria, following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Emmett Pipkins of Paradise Valley (left) and other Cardinals fans wait at security to enter University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Lisa Martinez of Phoenix and her daughter, Jade Wescogame, 4, walk towards University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Sophie Valdez, 3, sits on her mother, Nancy Valdez's shoulders as they walk towards University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Priscila Acosta, 13, (left) and her sister, Dariana Acosta, 15, of Chihuahua City, Mexico, shoot video on their phones during a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Sammy Porche of Scottsdale holds a cut-out head of Larry Fitzgerald as Kim Kidd, (right) also of Scottsdale, cheers for the star wide receiver during a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports